City Harbor's Robby Earle and Molly Reed talk with contributor Jon Fisher about their self titled debut, the recording process, and being married to MIKESCHAIR (Molly, that is).

1. How did you choose the name of the band?

(ROBBY EARLE) We wanted a name that was true to what we strive to be as people and musicians. At the same time, we wanted to make it something bigger than us. If you look up the definition of the word ‘city’ in a dictionary, you’ll see it defined as ‘any place where people are gathered.’ Harbor obviously denotes a safe place or sanctuary. We love the idea of our music being a refuge in the midst of all the noise and the craziness. In some sense, we’re all vessels designed for these grand voyages. So often, Christ acts as a harbor, a place for us to rest up and refuel before He sends us back out bearing His name. Our hope is to take part in that process in any way we can. Our prayer is that the Lord would use us to serve His people in that way.

2. How was it recording your debut?

(ROBBY) Honestly, it is an amazing blessing to be able to write and record an album. We’re continually humbled to have been given the opportunity to make a career out of what we love doing the most. We were also privileged to work with some incredibly brilliant and talented people on the production side of things. They became great friends through the process and made long days of tracking a lot of fun. Haha! This record took a long, long, long time to make. Now we’re just excited to share the songs we love so much with the rest of the world!

3. Which is your favorite song on the album and why?

(ROBBY) My favorite right now is probably a song called ‘I Will Rest’. It was actually a very late addition to the record, but it’s one that I’m so grateful for. This is one of those songs I absolutely love to sing. Mostly because it speaks to a struggle that I personally run into a lot. I think, as followers of Jesus, we tend to over-complicate things. We set up all these systems and rules for how we have to do things in order to be the best Christians. We can get tangled in all our study plans and community groups and quiet times and even mission projects.

We can make our Christian life an idol over Christ. Don’t hear me say following Jesus is easy. That’s not the case at all. The call of Christ is an all consuming one. But I think we spend so much time trying and worrying and trying harder and worrying more. In the end, I always come back to the fact that God wants us to just stop and listen and follow His voice. We know the only way to really live at all is through total trust in Christ. And I think so often that means just resting in Him and letting Him push us where He will.

4. Molly - why did you decide to move from songwriting for artists to starting a duo and performing your own songs?

(MOLLY REED) Honestly, It has always been my prayer to one day be able to sing my own songs, I just really wanted it to happen organically. When City Harbor entered the picture it just made sense. Songwriting will always be my first love, and I continue to write songs for other artists when I'm not touring myself. I always say that one day when I am old and grey, I wanna still be sitting on my front porch writing songs…it fuels my soul and heart!

5. I really liked your version of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. Do you have any plans to do more Christmas music?

(MOLLY) Thank you and YES!! we LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas music!! It's definitely on our bucket list to make a Christmas album one day. Hopefully you will hear a lot more from us in the Christmas department soon!

God has given us the grace and patience to be able to maintain an incredible marriage even while we are both on separate tours. Ever since Mike and I started dating we knew that touring and being apart for extended periods of time was in our future. We both have a calling on our life to be artists and spread the Word of God, so it makes it a lot easier to be apart knowing that this is where God has both of us. We have gotten really good at phone conversations! We dream of someday being able to always be on the road with each other!

7. What are your plans for touring to support the new album?

(ROBBY) We’re in the baby steps of forming a partnership with an organization called Thistle Farms in Nashville. It’s connected to the Magdalene program that operates nationally. Thistle Farms is a ministry of healing for women caught in terrible places - prostitution, drug addiction, homelessness, prison. Thistle Farms not only gives these women a safe home and a loving community, it provides them with the jobs they need to get back on their feet again. The residents spend their days hand-making all kinds of items - lotions, soaps, candles - that are sold all over town and increasingly across the country. One of the items at our merch table is a City Harbor necklace from Miriam Designs, a jewelry company started by Gracie Moakler that allows some of the Thistle Farms women to design and create their own pieces.

8. If you weren’t based in Nashville, is there any other city that you would prefer?

(MOLLY) hmmm that's a tough question, but I think I would chose to live in Rosemary Beach Florida. It is basically one of the most quaint, perfect, heavenly beach towns I have ever been to! My husband and I vacation there as much as we can!

9. Who are your musical influences?

(Molly) Amy Grant has had the biggest impact on me musically. She was my first concert and my first cassette tape (yes…cassette tape)! I have always respected and valued her songwriting skills and her honest vocals. She has and always will be a model of excellence for me.

10. What is your favorite scripture?

(Molly) Right now my favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5 which says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding" I think I have a tendency to try to control everything in my life. When I am trying to control…I am NOT trusting The Lord…His way is always the best way! So I am lately leaning into this verse!

11. Any particular outreach that you’re involved right now or that you champion?

(ROBBY) Right now, we’re out with Sidewalk Prophets and it’s been a blast! These guys are the real deal. It’s such a sweet thing to spend time on the road with people so passionate about the Gospel. We're out all spring! Come out and see us! I have always been in love with the UK. All I’m saying is would not mind at all if City Harbor needed to relocate to London.